Helpage International

Within 10 years, there will be a billion people 60 and older on the planet, up from about 600 million today. By 2030, there will be more people over 60 than under 10. Welcome to the brave, old world. These are a couple of the reasons we’re taking note of the 23rd Annual “International Day of Older Persons” on Oct. 1. As the world struggles to keep up with aging populations, this special day may draw some needed attention to a …

This is a guest post by Beth Casey. Beth is a program manager for AARP Foundation’s Isolation Impact Area team, which works to combat and prevent isolation in people age 50 and over. The challenges of the developing world are not so different from those faced by Americans age 50 and over, particularly the low-income segment of the 50+. Throughout the world, older adults struggle to live their lives with dignity and purpose – to continue to put food on …

Of the millions affected by the earthquake and tsunami, that hit Japan nearly two weeks ago, its seniors were the worst hit. A large number of seniors live in the region where the earthquake and tsunami struck hardest. Many older people had homes in the towns most affected, and now are left with nothing besides what they were able to narrowly escape carrying. Japanese officials are providing emergency resources and support to those affected by the disaster. But for Japan’s seniors, …